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When installing vinyl, ceramic, stone or glass tile for flooring, countertops or backsplashes, you will need to cut your tiles to fit the space where the tile abuts walls, built-ins, electrical outlets and switches. Scribing the tile is a marking process that enables you to avoid complicated measurements. Home improvement stores will often cut the scribed ceramic, stone or glass tiles for you for an additional fee. New tile will add to your home value.

1

Install a row of tile up to a wall or outlet, leaving room for a partial tile. Place a one-quarter-inch spacer next to the wall or outlet.

2

Place a piece of tile directly on top of the last installed tile near the position of the adjoining wall or outlet. This is the tile that will be scribed.

3

Place a third tile over the tile to be scribed, flush with the adjoining wall or outlet spacer.

4

Draw the scribe line with a pencil on the middle tile at the edge of the overlapping top tile. Use the line as a guide for cutting the scribed tile.

Things You Will Need

Tile

Spacer, 1/4-inch

Pencil

Tip

The point of a nail that has been sharpened with a metal file will mark ceramic or glass at the scribe line, eliminating the need for a pencil. This will also make the scribe line less likely to rub off if you are taking the tile to a home improvement store for cutting.

Warning

If you are cutting the scribed tiles yourself with a wet saw, wear proper safety gear including eye protection and gloves.

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Home Repair and Maintenance; David J. Tenebaum

Finishing a House; Roe Osborn

Ultimate Guide to Ceramic & Stone Tile; Editors of Creative Homeowner

About the Author

Linda Shepard has been staff writer for "C & G Newspapers" for over 10 years, covering local government and crime and serving as the newspaper's food writer. She has written for "Michigan Meetings Magazine" and is also the owner of Spectacularstrolls.com, an online business of self-guided walking tours.